Page 71 of Entangled Vows

Mahika leaned back and exhaled audibly as the car pulled away from the office building. Her phone buzzed. She glanced down, figuring it would be yet another work email, but it was the spa again.

Time for your relaxing spa day. See you soon for a moment of calm.

Pooja - Spa Concierge

She rolled her eyes and snorted. “A moment of calm, my foot.”

This was ridiculous. She had zero interest in spending her afternoon being pampered with lavender oil massages just because her bossy, temporary husband thought she needed it. Even though her shoulders were killing her. Even though the idea of a quiet, dimly lit room, sipping a cup of herbal tea, and letting the soothing warmth of hot stones melt the knots in her back sounded like utter bliss.

Nope. She would not go to the spa becausehehad said so. All she wanted was to go home, order way too many Momos, and binge on ice cream while watching terrible dating shows. That was her idea of relaxation. Not some forced spa day she never asked for.

The car turned onto the tree-lined drive of the Khurana Estate. Max pulled up to the porch and almost immediately stepped out to open the door for her.

“Max,” Mahika said, sounding amused. “I have two perfectly good hands. There’s no need to give me the royal treatment.”

Regardless, a smile appeared on his face as he held the door open. “It’s just a habit, ma’am.”

She stepped out with her bag slung over her shoulder. “Can you stop calling me ma’am? It makes me feel like a school principal.”

With a respectful nod, he said, “I’ll do my best, Mahika.”

Mahika walked in and felt the quiet of her new home. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but it finally felt like she belonged here. It felt like home.

She paused at the edge of the living area, inhaling the faint scent of sandalwood and flowers that swirled in the air.

Her gaze fell on Sandhya Ma, who was carefully dusting the brass Ganesha idol and the other antique pieces lining the carved wooden console.

The older woman perked up when she noticed her. “Back so soon, sweetie?”

Mahika smiled faintly as she slipped off her heels. “Yeah… I’ve got a slight headache,” she lied.

“Go lie down, beta. I’ll get you some chai. The headache will quickly disappear.”

Relief flickered across Mahika’s tired features. “Thanks. You’re the best.” She hugged the older woman.

This too was a part of her life now. With Sandhya Ma, she found both comfort and maternal love. Mahika had always been fond of her, but now their bond had deepened even more. Sandhya Ma loved her like a daughter.

She went into the bedroom and quietly closed the door. The silence immediately soothed her nerves. She went straight to Bungee’s cage by the window in the sunny corner. The moment he saw her, his tiny nose twitched, and his ears perked up in recognition.

“There you are,” she whispered, unlatching the cage door. “Hey, Bun… how are you doing, my sweet dumpling?”

She picked him up and buried her face in his soft, warm fur. He wiggled happily in her arms, letting out a squeak as he nestled against her chest. She held him close, letting his steady heartbeat wash away the tension of the day.

“I missed you,” she murmured, settling on the couch with Bungee curled up in her lap, feeling the calm wash over her. Her fingers stroked his fur, each touch soothing her further. The tension eased from her shoulders, and a sense of peace enveloped her. Mahika was enjoying Bungee’s comforting company when a familiar voice, loud and dramatic as usual, rang through the house.

“MAHIKAAAAA!”

Mahika chuckled, scratching Bungee gently behind the ears. “Look who’s here, Bun. Aunty Ishi.”

Gathering him into her arms, she kissed the top of his head as his tiny paws curled into her hoodie. Just as she reached for the door, it flew open and almost hit her.

“Oof! Watch it!” came Ishika’s breathless voice.

Mahika took a step back, looking up into her best friend’s wide, amused eyes. Ishika stood there, radiant as sunlight, dressed in a bright yellow sweater that clashed happily with her black leggings. Her hair was up in a messy bun, and she held a takeaway coffee in one hand like a peace offering.

Mahika smirked. “You look like you’ve come straight out of a lifestyle ad.”

Ishika narrowed her eyes. “And you look super stressed.”